An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir Dec 2017 / Jan 2018 www.dfmagazine.ie 32 | By GNR PARAIC SullIVAN, DFAVS, PR BRANCh PhoToS By A/SGT ColuM lAWloR, 103 SQN A large crowd gathered to attend the official launch of Military Archive's oral history Project (MAohP) in the officer's Mess in Cathal Brugha Bks on the 9th of November. The MAohP is the first initiative to be implanted since the Bureau of Military history (1913-1921) in the 1940s and 1950s to systematically collect the first-hand testimonies and personal experi- ences of the men and women who have been at the centre of Ireland's military story. In attendance was GOC 2 Bde Brig Gen Howard Berney, members of the Defence Forces, including con- tributors to the project and invited guests. The MC for the evening was OiC Military Archives Capt Daniel Ay- iotis. Guest speakers included archi- vist and project lead Noelle Grothier, heritage consultant Dr Tomas Mac Conmara and keynote speaker Major Gen Ralph James Retd. Oral history is a method of captur- ing the past through exploring the human dimension and is a resource for Irish people to understand who we are. The MAOHP is a growing col- lection of over 170 interviews accu- mulated over an 18-month period and stored in Military Archives for people to come in and listen to and savour. Each of the guest speakers spoke eloquently and passionately about the creation of such a wonder- ful service, which will give endless insight and joy to future generations. The essence of the project is to bring these personal accounts to the next generation. It also creates a link to the past and it helps people under- stand how people lived and felt in past times. Capt Ayiotis thanked all those who were involved in the creation of the MAOHP and urged people to come forward and contribute to the ever-expanding library of content. A special mention of gratitude was given to Defence Forces Audio Visual Section (DFAVS) staff member Cpl Karl McEneaney who created a fan- tastic video for the launch night. Reading a document or transcript can be perceived or interpreted in so many ways, however hearing a voice can mean so much more. It creates a greater sense of realism and is something people can identify with and have a greater understanding from. The MAOHP will stand the test of time and by doing so it will solve puzzles, link generations, help understand history and ultimately bring happiness to those who listen to it. Capt Daniel Ayiotis, Cpl Michael Whelan, Dr Tomas Mac Conmara, Major Gen Ralph James Retd and Noelle Grothier. Capt Daniel Ayiotis, OiC Military Archives. Noelle Grothier, archivist and project lead. Dr Tomas Mac Conmara, heritage consultant. Major Gen Ralph James Retd, keynote speaker.

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